MARINOL

Learning Objective

• Provide educational awareness about the prescription drug Marinol

• Marinol is often called “the medical marijuana”

• Marinol is a member of the family of drugs known as cannabinoids

• Its chemical composition is similar to that of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana

What is Marinol?

• Cancer/Chemotherapy - Treats symptoms of nausea and vomiting after other medications are proven ineffective

• HIV/AIDS – Sometimes prescribed as an appetite stimulant

• THC stimulates the appetite and reduces nausea/vomiting by binding to special receptors found in the central nervous system

Marinol – Legal Uses

• Marinol is produced as capsules or as a powder

• Marinol capsules are red, white, and orange in color and are circular shaped

• Capsules are typically 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg and bear the imprint of a “UM” or “RL”

• The powder form is white in color and is similar, in appearance, to cocaine and methamphetamine.

Marinol

• Abdominal pain • Dizziness• Drowsiness• Nausea/ Vomiting• Euphoric “marijuana like

high”• Elevated or relaxed mood

• Trouble concentrating• Decreased coordination• Confusion• Head ache • Unusual tiredness or

weakness

Side Effects

The effects of Marinol are similar to those of marijuana:

• Abnormal thinking• Behavioral changes• Fast or irregular heart beat• Hallucinations• Memory problems• Severe allergic reactions

• Seizures• Vision changes• Severe dizziness• Severe mood changes

(feelings of anxiety, depression, panic, paranoia)

Severe Side Effects

• The use of Marinol is prohibited without a valid prescription.

• All drug specimen are screened and tested for Marinol and THC.

• The illegal use of Marinol or any drug goes against Army Values and Warrior Pride

Army Policy

Additional information on Marinol can be found by contacting the Army Substance

Abuse Program or by visiting www.acsap.army.mil